Adidas Superstar

The history of the adidas Superstar shoe

The adidas Superstar debuted in 1969 as a low-top basketball shoe designed to enhance on-court performance . At a time when most footwear was canvas, its leather upper and unique rubber toe —known as the " shell toe "—gave players unprecedented durability and protection. This innovative design quickly gained recognition on the court, and its performance features caught the attention of players.

By 1973 , the Superstar became a hit, with over 75% of NBA players wearing them thanks to their functionality. But, as is often the case, athletic shoe technology evolved, and by the late 1970s and early 1980s, the shoe began to lose popularity in professional basketball, giving way to new innovations.

But the story doesn't end there! Instead of fading away, the Superstar found new life off the court. Their clean silhouette and street-ready style captured the hearts of young people, especially in the burgeoning hip-hop scene. A pivotal moment came in the mid-'80s, when Run-DMC adopted the adidas sneaker as part of their identity—often wearing it laceless, becoming a symbol of rebellion and authenticity.

This cultural endorsement transformed the Superstar from a sneaker into a global icon. It became synonymous with street style, individuality, and creative expression. It has remained a staple in the decades since, worn by skaters, artists, musicians, and fashion enthusiasts.

The adidas Superstar's journey from basketball courts to concert stages is testament to its timeless appeal.

Key Features of the adidas Superstar

The adidas Superstar is not only a cultural icon but also a showcase for intelligent design and timeless appeal. Its enduring popularity stems from a combination of comfort, durability, and a unique style that makes it instantly recognizable.

Iconic design elements

• Shell Toe: What makes the Superstar stand out is its rubber shell toe , originally designed to protect basketball players' feet. It adds durability and gives the shoe a distinctive look.
• 3 Stripes: The classic 3 Stripes are stitched on the sides, showcasing adidas branding and creating a bold visual impact.
• Trefoil Logo: The iconic Trefoil logo on the tongue and heel highlights the shoe's rich history.

Premium materials and construction

• Full Leather Upper: Crafted from premium leather , the upper gives the Superstar a sleek look and durability.
• Perforated details: Small perforations between the side stripes improve ventilation, making the shoe more airy.
• Padded Heel and Collar: Soft padding around the ankle adds comfort, making them perfect for all-day wear.

Support and grip

• Rubber Midsole and Cupsole: A solid rubber midsole combined with a durable rubber cupsole offers excellent support and flexibility.
• Non-Marking Outsole: Classic herringbone tread provides great traction with a non-marking finish , perfect for both indoor and outdoor use.

These key features showcase the intelligent design and iconic style that have kept the adidas Superstar at the forefront of both fashion and sneaker culture for years. Whether you're interested in its performance or simply its captivating streetwear vibe, understanding these elements explains why this sneaker remains a perennial favorite across generations.

Noteworthy variants

To keep the iconic adidas Superstar look fresh and relevant, the brand has introduced several noteworthy variations over the years. These versions combine classic style with modern trends, new materials, and functional improvements.

adidas Superstar II

The Superstar II , introduced in the 2000s, offered a refreshed version of the original. It retained key design elements like the shell toe and leather upper, but added a thicker, padded tongue and subtle styling tweaks. These improvements gave it a more contemporary feel while retaining its timeless appeal.

Options on the platform

As the popularity of platform sneakers grows, adidas has introduced:

• Superstar XLG
• Superstar Bold

These models feature extremely thick soles , adding height and a bold look perfect for streetwear enthusiasts. While they retain the Superstar's core elements, their chunky midsoles give them a unique edge that will catch the eye of fashion-conscious wearers.

adidas Superstar 82

The Superstar 82 pays homage to adidas' heritage by recreating the original 1982 model. This iteration emphasizes authenticity through premium materials , precise proportions, and meticulous craftsmanship. It is particularly prized by collectors and fans seeking a vintage vibe with modern standards of quality.

Balanced variants

In response to growing environmental concerns, adidas has developed sustainable versions of the Superstar , utilizing sustainable materials and Primegreen technology : recycled components that reduce reliance on virgin plastics. These eco-friendly editions retain the classic Superstar look while supporting adidas' broader sustainability goals.

All these diverse versions demonstrate how Superstary continues to evolve – combining its iconic roots with innovations that cater to a variety of tastes, lifestyles and values.

Popular adidas Superstar colorways

The adidas Superstar is known for its wide range of iconic colorways , each bringing a fresh twist to a classic design. These styles suit a variety of fashion preferences, from simple and clean to bold and eye-catching.

• Classic White with Black Stripes: This well-known version features a white leather base with bold black stripes, capturing the original Superstar's streetwear vibe. It became particularly popular in the '80s thanks to the hip-hop group Run-DMC , who helped cement its cultural significance.
• All-White: Also called "Triple White," this elegant and simple style pairs easily with almost any outfit. Its minimalist look makes it a favorite for those seeking versatility and understated elegance.
• Black with White Stripes: This colorway reverses the original look, offering a bold contrast that's both edgy and stylish. A popular choice for those who prefer a darker aesthetic while maintaining the shoe's classic silhouette.
• White with Gold Accents: Gold details on the branding and heel tab add a touch of luxury to this classic design. This version is often associated with limited editions or anniversary releases.
• Navy and White: Inspired by nautical motifs, this version combines deep blue with pure white for a sporty, elegant look. Perfect for fans of preppy or sporty styles.
• Red and white: Bright and bold, this colorway stands out while staying true to the Superstar's classic roots. Often used in regional or team collaborations, it adds energy to any look.
• Gray and white: A neutral choice that's easy to match, this version offers a modern take on a timeless style. The subtle hues make it suitable for both everyday wear and more sophisticated outfits.
• White with green stripes: Reminiscent of the adidas Stan Smith , this fresh version adds a retro-sporty feel, perfect for casual outfits. It appeals to fans of the vintage sneaker aesthetic.
• Black and Gold: With dark shades and shimmering gold accents, this version combines elegance with edginess, creating a premium look. Often favored in special editions or fashion-focused collections.

The adidas Superstar continues to evolve with new colorways while staying true to its heritage. Whether you prefer minimalist designs or bold , statement sneakers , you'll find a colorway that perfectly aligns with your personal style—often telling a part of the rich history of sneaker culture.

Famous adidas Superstar Collaborations You Need to Know

Over the years, the adidas Superstar has been part of many significant collaborations , showcasing how this classic model can be reinterpreted through creative expression . These influential partnerships include pop culture icons, fashion brands, and streetwear legends, leading to sought-after limited editions that shape sneaker culture .

CLOT X Star Wars: Darksidestar Edition

The CLOT X Star Wars: Darksidestar Edition is a bold new take on the classic adidas Superstar . This special edition fuses sneaker culture with the legendary Star Wars universe, inspired by the dark side of the Force .

One of its key features is a reflective upper in elegant black that shimmers in the light, symbolizing mystery and strength. Bright red accents add contrast and reflect the color of Sith lightsabers, giving the shoes a powerful look.

This edition celebrates not only adidas' heritage but also the cultural influence of Star Wars, making it instantly recognizable to fans and fashion-conscious individuals. Attention to detail—from material choice to thematic cohesion—cements its status as both a collector's item and a wearable tribute to the galactic rebellion.

The Darksidestar Edition is more than just footwear—it's a fusion of storytelling, craftsmanship, and fandom. With its limited availability and distinctive design language, it stands out as one of the most memorable entries in the adidas Superstar lineage.

Undefeated X BAPE: A Unique Fusion

The Undefeated X BAPE version of the adidas Superstar combines two streetwear icons in a design that highlights both personal style and cultural roots. This unique blend combines the bold, edgy look of BAPE with the clean, sport-inspired style of the Undefeated .

This collaboration draws inspiration from each brand's heritage— BAPE's influence on Japanese streetwear and Undefeated's graphic-driven aesthetic. The result is a sneaker that connects global streetwear communities through shared values ​​of authenticity and innovation.

Each release in this collaboration typically includes:

• BAPE 's signature camouflage pattern , a key element of the Japanese brand, known for its eye-catching designs.
• The well-known five-strike Undefeated logo, symbolizing strength and victory, often appears on the heel or tongue to make a strong visual impact.

The adidas Superstar silhouette serves as the perfect canvas for this partnership. Known for its iconic shell toe and low-cut profile, it provides a timeless base that contrasts well with the modern updates introduced by BAPE and Undefeated .

These editions are distinguished by the use of high-quality materials . They are characterized by:

• Premium leather uppers
• Detailed stitching
• Solid construction

This not only gives them a sharp look but also makes them durable. The mix of textures and patterns refreshes the classic Superstar design, giving it a bold, street-ready feel that appeals to collectors and fans of limited editions.

This collaboration had a profound impact on sneaker culture , demonstrating how classic sneakers can be reinterpreted through creative collaboration. The Undefeated x BAPE Superstars transcend fashion—representing cultural exchange, fresh design ideas, and the enduring appeal of collaborative storytelling in footwear design.

RUN DMC X adidas Superstar: an iconic collaboration

In the mid-1980s, a cultural shift transformed the way sneakers and music intertwined. The RUN DMC X adidas Superstar collaboration began as a natural connection between a hip-hop group and a classic sneaker. It quickly became one of the most iconic collaborations in sneaker history . Run-DMC 's bold choice to wear the Superstar without laces—reflecting prison life and street style—stood out and challenged the norms of fashion and music.

The partnership became official when adidas signed a groundbreaking sponsorship deal with Run-DMC —the first between a major sportswear brand and a music group. This bold move recognized the group's influence and marked a pivotal moment in which music and fashion merged in a powerful way. It also confirmed the Superstar as a key element of '80s hip-hop , worn not for sport but as a form of self-expression.

This collaboration wasn't just about style—it was about identity, rebellion, and cultural pride. When Run-DMC performed their hit "My Adidas" at Madison Square Garden , they asked fans to hold up their sneakers in solidarity—a moment that caught adidas' attention and led to their historic deal.

The RUN DMC x adidas Superstar is more than just a shoe—it symbolizes hip-hop culture's entry into the mainstream. Each release celebrates both adidas ' design roots and Run-DMC's cultural impact. These shoes are more than just sneakers—they represent resistance, creativity, and community. The collaboration helped establish the Superstar as a pop culture icon and paved the way for future partnerships between artists and brands, forever linking sneaker culture with music.

Pharrell Williams: Supercolor Collection

In 2015, Pharrell Williams partnered with adidas to create the bold Supercolor collection , a colorful take on the classic adidas Superstar . This unique design offered the iconic shoe in an impressive 50 monochromatic colorways .

The Supercolor edition was more than just a look—it celebrated individuality , diversity , and creativity . Each color represented a different personality, encouraging people to express who they are through color. By transforming Superstar into a rainbow of choices, Pharrell demonstrated that style is personal and not limited by trends or rules.

This collection stood out both for its size and its message. It conveyed a powerful message that no color is better than another and that everyone should have the freedom to choose what suits them. From light blue and sunny yellow to earthy olive and elegant black, each shade became a way to express oneself.

The Supercolor campaign also broke new ground in the sneaker world by offering so many colors in one unified look. It underscored adidas' commitment to innovation and embodied Pharrell's vision of fashion as a vehicle for equality and creativity.

This collaboration between Pharrell Williams and adidas not only reinterpreted an iconic silhouette, but also set a precedent for how sneakers can convey powerful cultural messages while remaining stylish and accessible.

Collaboration with NEIGHBORHOOD: Streetwear meets footwear

The NEIGHBORHOOD collaboration with adidas offers a bold reinterpretation of the classic adidas Superstar , fusing iconic streetwear aesthetics with timeless sneaker design. Rooted in Japanese streetwear culture , the NEIGHBORHOOD infuses the silhouette with influences from biker subculture and utility fashion, creating a distinctive look that resonates across global style communities.

This ongoing partnership is known for its stark, monochromatic designs , often featuring premium black leather uppers , molded rubber details, and embossed textures. Signature branding elements—such as skull and crossbones motifs—underscore NEIGHBORHOOD's rebellious identity while amplifying the shoe's visual impact.

This collaboration reflects a broader cultural exchange between adidas ' German craftsmanship heritage and NEIGHBORHOOD's urban Japanese design sensibilities. It marks a significant moment in sneaker history, illustrating how cross-cultural partnerships can redefine classics like the Superstar in the evolving streetwear landscape.